1
as in energetic
having much high-spirited energy and movement
the mettlesome opening dance number got the audience all jazzed up
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fiery
marked by a lively display of strong feeling
a mettlesome debate on the teaching of evolution in the schools
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of mettlesome
He may have been provoked into battle by the ruler of Cebu, who was using Magellan’s troops to rid himself of a mettlesome chieftain known to raid the trade ships that navigated the waters in and around the islands.
—
Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Tim Carman, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mettlesome
Adjective
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That motion can help build strength that translates over to tons of daily tasks, like walking an energetic dog or opening a heavy door, to name a few.—
Christa Sgobba,
SELF,
12 May 2025
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With energetic DJs and robata shows, this is definitely the place to be seen.—
Jim Dobson,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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The fiery collision involved a tour bus and a Nissan SUV.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
11 May 2025
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Her quirky sense of humor and passion for her career align with the zodiac sign Aries, whose fiery spirit can relate.—
Lisa Stardust,
People.com,
11 May 2025
Adjective
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The newcomer enrolled in tap classes, and trained fastidiously with associate choreographer Rachelle Rak, figuring out how an animated siren might walk and stand.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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This is her opportunity to step up into a more prominent role, and the quiet ONO is disappearing in favor of this, more animated and aggressive version.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
18 May 2025
Adjective
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The rest of our stay here felt equal parts sentimental and sophisticated—pie-making sessions came with hard cider tastings; a spirited host recited dad jokes alongside chocolate and whiskey pairings; and movie nights in the barn were fueled by vintage candy and cocktails.—
Alisha Prakash,
Travel + Leisure,
11 May 2025
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Amber, who sculpts portraitures and takes care of their sick mom; Delia, who manages an apple farm where Charlie hides out; Bebe, who’s a free spirited DJ; and Cece, who’s a comparative lit professor.—
Bill Desowitz,
IndieWire,
10 May 2025
Adjective
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Insects, much like their human counterparts, are more lively in the spring and summer when the weather is warmer.—
Simmone Shah,
Time,
20 May 2025
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Book Club with the Rancho Santa Fe Librarians Wednesday, May 28, from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Join us for a lively discussion at the Senior Center of American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins.—
Kris Slugg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 May 2025
Adjective
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Over the course of their relationship, Geoff had grown close to another of her patients, a spunky boy who eventually died of epidermolysis bullosa, also known as butterfly-skin syndrome, in his 20s.—
Sarah Zhang,
The Atlantic,
16 May 2025
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In last week’s installment (read a recap here), opportunity seemed ripe for an epic Joe blindside led by spunky final Vula member Mary.—
Nick Caruso,
TVLine,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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Such seemingly minor biographical details are what animate L’Enchanteur, which was born in 2012 after Soull and Dynasty merged their independent labels—Alkhemi9 and BRZÉ, respectively.—
Thessaly La Force,
Vogue,
22 Apr. 2025
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Users do have creative freedom — freedom to learn to draw, animate, write, score, or direct their own projects.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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It’s been possible, but hard to find Fettercairn from independent bottlers in the United States, and those who seek it out are passionate about it, Boice said.—
Gina Pace,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
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Gabriella is a cousin of King Charles through her father Prince Michael's side of the family and a passionate musician who played an advisory role around the musical performances for Kate's Together at Christmas carol service in December at Westminster Abbey.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mettlesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mettlesome. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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